Paper neck shims

[Big K]

1. Disassemble
2. Misplace parts
3. Ponder my situation for a time (read: a month or two)
4. Research the subject, buy some parts that may or may not fit
5. Coincidentally find parts while looking for something else (cigarette lighter, clean underwear)
6. Reassemble...marvel at the fact it works
7. Consider starting another project with now un-needed extra parts
8. Join Forums to find out just how misguided I was/am.

and what's wrong with this method?